Media Release – 5 March 2019
RETIREMENT OF HON CHRISTOPHER PYNE MP
The Submarine Institute of Australia (SIA) acknowledges the significant contribution that Hon Christopher Pyne MP has made as Minister for Defence, Minister for Defence Industry and to Australian submarines, in particular.
This follows confirmation that after 26 years in Parliament, Mr Pyne will retire from politics at the upcoming federal election.
“Since moving into the defence portfolio after the 2016 election, Mr Pyne has been an enthusiastic, passionate and hard-working advocate for enhancing Australia’s defence capability, which, importantly, includes 12 new submarines,” said Submarine Institute of Australia (SIA) President, Mark Sander.
“His advocacy and leadership in the defence portfolio is widely admired and through this, he has consistently sent positive messages to Australia’s service men and women about the fine work they do and to defence industry companies who are investing in Australia.
“Mr Pyne has been a strong voice at key decision-making meetings, ensuring consistently high levels of government investment in submarines and other defence capability, for the benefit of Australia’s national security.
“His time in the defence portfolio has been marked by his determination to communicate to a broader audience about the nation’s strategic defence capability, including submarines, which has helped educate more Australians about why government investment in national security is vital.
“Mr Pyne – and his staff – has always been willing to engage productively with the SIA, as well as with other key external stakeholders, which is testament to his work ethic.
“The SIA would like to thank Mr Pyne for being a regular speaker at our annual conferences.
“We wish Mr Pyne success in the next phase of his career.
“Also, the SIA would like to congratulate Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC on her appointment as the new Minister for Defence Industry.”
